The best covered litter box reviews on this page will give you the information you need to make the best choice for your cat and your home.
There is additional information after the reviews, for example things to consider when buying a covered litter box, how to check for the right size and reasons a covered litter box is preferred by some cat households.
The 7 Best Covered Litter Boxes
1. Catit Hooded Cat Litter Pan
This is a super popular litter box. It is a no nonsense box and does the job. It is sturdy and lightweight.
The opening is a door flap. If your cat is not so keen on the door flap, the flap does flip up and can sit on the top of the box.
There is a Jumbo version. Even if your kitty is not large, the more space they have the better. This of course does also depend on the amount of space you have to place the box, so there are a few variables to add up when looking for the “just right” litter box.
Liners can be used but are not essential. Kitchen garbage bags can substitute as liners.
The handle is on the top of the box and when looking at the photo it is lying flat. It is not suggested to lift the entire box full of litter by using the handle.
This box also has an overlap mechanism to help prevent urine leakage form high pee-ers.
Using a clumping litter, it is easy to scoop through the front, with the door raised. This making everyday cleaning easier than having to remove the lid every time.
Pros
The front door/flap being able to be lifted and then slid back, makes cleaning easy and saves time and hassle. It would otherwise entail lifting the top from the bottom to scoop the litter.
No more smells.
Also keeps toddlers out.
Cons
Kittens may have trouble pushing the flap from the inside to get out again.
Specifications
These are the outside dimensions – 22.44L x 18.3H x 19.7W. inches. The door opening is 10.4 inches high x 9.6 inches wide. The color choices are warm gray or white with some black design features.
2. IRIS USA Large Hooded Litter Box
The front opening on this box is like the Catit box, it is a flap that lifts forward and up to provide a larger opening for cleaning. PS Some cats like it like this too. It much easier to scoop because firstly you can reach into the box easily and you can see what is happening in there.
The box itself is solid and the clips on the side are secure. The scoop is also cleverly stored on the inside the box near the flap, for easy access and everyone knows where to replace the scoop when scooping is done.
This box is made in the USA. It is a well made product and sits in the mid price range.
Pros
Keeps most of the litter contained.
Odors are much reduced compared to an open box.
Cons
Some cat owners report that the door doesn’t swing freely. Check the door action before using. Make sure nothing is impeding the movement of the door like something else placed nearby that may cause the door flap to shift, even if ever so slightly.
The plastic is flimsier than many people expect.
Specifications
This box is a Jumbo size. The general measurements are best assessed by looking at the image on this page. The inside measurements are – 15.25 x 14.0 x 15.5 Inches. There is also a corner model, perfect if that is the space you need to use. The corner model measurements are 21 x 16.13 x 14.25 inches (LxWxH). The color choices are navy with a white top or dark gray with a lighter gray top.
IRIS have also put together a starter kit. We tend to think, we don’t need that but in this case they have put together some really useful items even if your cat is definitely not a new addition to the family. The starter kit includes, the Jumbo enclosed litter box, an automatic water fountain including six charcoal replacement filters and finally, a plastic airtight food container ‘on casters’. It takes 45 lb of dry pet food. The ‘on casters’ part is such a good idea. Cat food or any pet food containers can be heavy and awkward to lift and refill, put away and so on.
Do you have a large cat? These three articles are about large cats – how to choose a litter box for a large cat, the best covered boxes for large cats and the best open top boxes for large cats.
3. Van Ness Enclosed Sifting Cat Litter Box
This covered litter box is different to the others on this page as it is a sifting litter box that is also a covered litter box. You may have seen sifting litter boxes before but not actually considered a sifting litter box.
The image above shows how the sifting aspect works. It is a straightforward process. Sifting can be a money saver as you are just disposing of the actual solid waste. It is also less tedious than scooping and that has to be worth something.
The sifting part of the box doesn’t have to be used. The box work perfectly well without the sifter and a litter box liner can be used.
Note: The door can be incorrectly installed. Follow the instructions to make sure that it is easy for the cat to enter and exit. If the cat can’t exit the box, the door has been incorrectly fittted.
The filter to neutralize odor is changeable and the recommend time frame for changing is between 60 to 90 days.
It is a good price sitting firmly in the normal range and therefore affordable.
This is a very large box and so make sure you have enough litter for the initial fill.
Pros
This litter box has some long term users.
One cat owner suggested using a wood litter in this box. It is easy to sift and does not track.
Cons
Recently there have been some complaints concerning the sifter part of the litter box, not being included.
Specifications
This box is called an Extra Large however is also referred to as Extra Giant. The measurements are 21.5 x 17.5 x 19 inches. There is also a Large size. The measurements of the Large box are 19.5 x 15.25 x 17.5 inches. The Zeolite filter can be replaced. The box has a high polish finish that is stain resistant. The top is removable.
4. Petmate Booda Dome Clean Step Litter Box
This model has the steps at the side. Entry to the litter box is via the steps which have a slightly bumpy, raised surface. The bumpy surface helps to prevent litter leaving the box when the cat is exiting the box. The surface helps to dislodge the litter that may be stuck on paws and the litter stay within confines of the box.
This is a great idea and makes cleaning around the box so much easier. It is still advisable to always use a litter mat where kitty steps out of the box to catch any excess litter.
The box (dome) has a handle on the top that is built in which makes it easy to relocate the litter box if necessary.
The handle is used to remove the top for cleaning. These two points are important. A handle on top makes it easier to pick up the box when needed and a built in handle means it is fool proof as far as reliability goes because there is nothing that can break.
The cat has total privacy, you won’t be able to see the cat once he enters this litter box. He could be sending text messages for all we know.
The lid is easy to remove when a thorough clean and change of litter is required.
The litter part inside is smaller because of the space taken up for the stairs. Note the height is generous so lots of space for kitty to turn around in circles inside.
Can a dog get its head into this box? A small dog will be able to march in much the same way as a cat. A medium sized dog would have more trouble. One excellent suggestion is to put a bungee cord across the entrance. Cats can still get in with the bungee cord in place but it may deter dogs. By the way, we know that some dogs like to snack form the litter tray but did you know that some cats eat litter too?
Pros
Good as a tracking litter solution.
Good for cats that will not go through cat flaps or doors but you still want a covered box.
Good for all age cats, there is no wall to step over.
Cons
High pee-ers may pee down the stairs. (Cat owners will know what I mean)
Specifications
The dimensions are 22.5 x 22.5 x 19 inches. You have a color choice of brushed Nickel, Pearl White and Titanium. You can use liners in this box or not use liners, it is your preference. Some people have had difficulty attaching the liners, finding them small and hard to stretch into shape. There are liners specially for this box. To help with odor control, there is a charcoal filter. There is one charcoal filter and one liner included with the initial purchase.
5. Petmate Basic Hooded Cat Litter Pan
This covered litter box from Petmate comes in two sizes, Large and Jumbo. The box described here is the Large box. Check the Specifications below for more information regarding size of the boxes.
The lower entry point, approximately 6″ is excellent for kittens and older cats. It has a flip top lid, that can stay folded while the litter is being scooped. It also folds back a good distance so that scooping is easy with enough space to get the scoop in and move it around easily. The door can also be removed altogether.
The handle of the box is moulded – always a good feature in our opinion, one less thing to break. It does also have a carbon filter which can be replaced if desired.
The lower part of the box is higher at the back to take care of those pesky high pee-ers.
This box is an affordable price for a box that has all the features needed for a covered litter box. Remember to also look at the Jumbo size if you are not quite sure that this one is large enough.
Pros
Good budget option from a reliable brand.
Cons
The door can be knocked off by some cats.
Measure carefully as many cat owners find this size quite small. The box looks quite large in the images. The Jumbo size may be more suitable.
Specifications
The measurements of the Large box are 18.8L x 15.2W x 14H inches. The measurements of the Jumbo box are 24L x 19W x 18.5H inches. The colors to choose from are Pink and White, Blue and Silver. Blue and White is another option but may not be available.
6. Petphabet Litter Box With Lid – Jumbo Box
This is a good box for high pee-ers because the lower half of the box is high at the back of the box, thus eliminating the high pee-ers issues.
The top and the bottom of the box snap together with clips.
The top of this box is transparent. We don’t really know what cats think of this but for for us humans it is helpful to see at a glance if the litter needs changing. For people with mobility issues this is really important consideration.
Cats can also see if someone or something else (hello doggie) is approaching. Although no litter box is going to be 100% successful at keeping litter out totally, this box does get a big tick even for enthusiastic diggers and fingers.
If your cat has to wear a soft e collar he should be able to get in and out of this box without any problems.
Pros
Cat owners give this box positive reviews. The size does live up to its description. Litter is contained well.
The clear top makes it easy to see when a scoop is neeed.
Cons
High pee-ers may mean this box won’t work for you.
May be too difficult for kittens and elderly cats to access easily without a ramp.
Specifications
Love the colors of this box and you have quite a few to choose from – Teal, Blue, Gray and Purple. All of the boxes have a transparent top. This box is an X-large. It measures 24.8L x 20W x 16.5H inches. The door opening is 8.2 x 7.8 inches.
7. Nature’s Miracle Oval Hooded Flip Top – Easy Clean
The latest model has a handle on top. It wouldn’t be advisable to lift the box when full of litter however it does make the box easier to handle when removing the top for cleaning and also when repositioning.
The front of this box, flips up which makes cleaning much easier. The flip top is part of the box and it not removed however the whole top part of the box can be removed by using the clips on the each side of the box.
The box also has a carbon filter to help control odors and also gets plenty of positive comments regarding odor control.
The reason for number 7 placement is that some of the other covered litter boxes offer the same features for a lower price. The quality of this product is not in question.
Pros
The box has a non stick surface to help with cleaning.
Easy to scoop because the opening flips right up making the box easy to access for scooping.
Cons
The large sticker on the box can be frustratingly difficult to remove.
A 7.25 inch entry point will make this not suitable for elderly cats or cats with arthritis or other mobility issues.
Specifications
The dimensions are 25.13 inches long by 19.13 inches wide by 17 inches tall. With these large dimensions even largish cats at 15 to 20 lb and larger can use this box. The back wall, without the hood, is 11.75 inches tall. The opening is 8.25 x 825 inches. The lowest point of entry is 7.25 inches. The color is Silver/Gray.
Our Recommendation Is…
1. Catit Hooded Cat Litter Pan
This enclosed litter box ticks all the boxes. It is large and sturdy. It has a large opening for scooping litter and a bag anchor to keep the liner (if used) in place.
The front door helps to prevent litter tracking. The sliders attaching the two halves lock together. It is also made with BPA-free materials.
It is not unsightly and doesn’t need to be relegated to a distant part of the house in an out of sight out of mind scenario.
- Provides your cat with privacy while retaining their litter inside the pan
- Large hood lifts up for easy access for cleaning
- Carbon filter works to remove odors. Made of BPA-free materials
- The large hood lifts up for easy access for cleaning, while the built-in bag anchor helps keep the bag open and frees hands for scooping
- Door opening measures 10.4 inches by 9.6 inches. Dimension when assembled is 22.4L x 18.3H x 17W. Hand wash with mild soap and water
Things To Consider When Choosing A Covered Litter Box
Get The Biggest Size
If you have a large cat definitely go for the biggest size. The cat needs to be able to comfortably turn around inside the litter box. Some large cats with a fluffy tail have been known to leave their tails hanging out of the opening, so bear this in mind when choosing.
Which Box For a high pee-er?
Is your cat a high pee-er? Choose one of the boxes with a high back, at the point where the lower part of the box meets the upper part of the box. This will lessen the chance of pee spillage at the join.
The Catit hooded lid box does have extra overlap where the two halves of the box meet. This is specifically to address the problem of any urine leakage.
Do you have a senior cat or kitten?
If you have a senior cat or a kitten and the entrance to the box is too high, it may be difficult for the cat to enter and exit.
Get a box where the front opening is low, making it easy for the senior cat or kitten to enter and exit the box.
Where will the box be placed?
The space you have to place the box is important, particularly if space is limited.
You will need the measurements of the space you have as well as the measurements of the box. It is such a nuisance having to return items and then choose another.
Also some boxes are one measurement at floor level but may flare out at the sides making the dimensions larger. If space is tight this can be an issue.
How To Choose The Right Size Box
- Find the dimensions of the litter box you are thinking of purchasing. Check carefully! Measurements can be misleading. Sometimes the most obvious measurements are the size of the packaging and not the actual item. You may need to read through more detailed information to find the exact measurements
- Make a mock up of the box using newspaper or any paper. Draw the box to measure on some newspaper. The floor measurements are particularly important here. Cut the shape you have drawn on to the newspaper.
- Position the mock up in the location. Put the newspaper mock up in the location you have in mind for the litter box? How does it fit?
- Does it fit? You could also check the measurements using tape on the floor, to mock up the size of the litter box.
An elderly cat has different litter box requirements as mobility may affect how well the cat can enter and exit the box.
Why Get A Covered Litter Box?
Odor Control
Odor control is easier in a box with a covered lid. This may be of particular importance if living conditions are limited space-wise and you and the cat have to share bathroom space.
Appearance
A covered box will look neater than an open uncovered box and once again particularly if the box needs to go in a main living area. It can be a tricky decision weighing up what is the best for the cat versus human but when you are both sharing living quarters it is something you need to consider.
Choosing a litter box is more complicated than you thought! Well it doesn’t have to be really. There are just some basics to consider. After all you don’t want to waste your money and have the litter box not used.
Which type of litter box is the best – Uncovered or Covered? This articles examines pros and cons of both types of litter box.
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